June 19, 2009

Dear Partners in Mission,

In mid-May the Minneapolis Area Synod bishop's office received notice from Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, Director of the ELCA's Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM) unit, of the impact the economic downturn is having on the ELCA and its mission. The challenges of the present economy have resulted in an overall shortfall of more than $5 million dollars in mission support to the ELCA Churchwide offices which are forcing budget and program reductions.

The Churchwide offices have reduced their staffing and operational budgets. These trends now impact the partnership support of 23 ministries in the Minneapolis Area Synod who receive funding through EOCM. These are your neighbors, our neighbors. They were informed that they will receive an immediate 7% cut in funding, an amount totaling $25,200 across all the ministries listed below.

You have supported these ministries through your congregational offerings and past direct support. These are your neighbors, many of whom serve among the poorest and the most vulnerable communities in our metro area, urban and suburban. These are your neighbors, working tirelessly to invite communities to hear the Gospel in the new developments on the edges of our synod. Please consider an additional gift through Making a World of Difference, the strategic mission initiative of the Minneapolis Area Synod, to bridge this gap in funding for 2009. Make checks payable to Minneapolis Area Synod, Making a World of Difference and send to 122 W. Franklin Ave., Ste. 600 Minneapolis, MN 55404. The ministries receiving funding reductions are:

  • Mercy Seat, an emerging ministry engaging young adults in that critical time of questioning after graduating from college or university.
  • River of Joy, a new start in the midst of growth in the Credit River Elko New Market area of our synod.
  • Jacobs Well, a growing and vibrant community stretching the bounds of what it means to be "church."
  • Sudanese Lutheran, a weekly gathering of refugees and immigrants seeking fellowship and hope.
  • New Life!, a new start in a growing area in Oak Grove on the northern edge of the Minneapolis Area Synod.
  • Spirit of Joy, a new congregation in Buffalo who just broke ground for their first worship space.
  • Northeast Community, an emergent mission, rooted in the diverse and lively changing context of northeast Minneapolis.
  • Luther Memorial, an exciting mission, investing in Hmong leaders, moving toward a new day as a multicultural/Hmong community.
  • Salem English, a mission deeply engaged in the transformation of a neighborhood along Lyndale Avenue in south Minneapolis.
  • Zion, "Recovery Worship" is only part of the vision, a congregation who sees its mission of recovery for their entire neighborhood in Minneapolis.
  • SPARK, a collaboration of congregations in Saint Louis Park, asking the questions of how can we be the people of God in a new way? In mission? In a changing neighborhood?
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, how can the Gospel be at the center of the transformation and renewal of a community in North Minneapolis? Bold and courageous investment in young leaders.
  • Trinity Congregation, a ministry working to transform itself into reflecting the multicultural neighborhood, building relationships with its Somali and Ethiopian and Eritrean neighbors.
  • Our Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church, the fastest growing and largest Oromo congregation in the ELCA dedicated to its neighborhood and to the next generation, its young people.
  • Jordan New Life Community, where would Jesus be? Certainly here in this energetic congregation and in the Jordan neighborhood. Dedicated to its call to be a multicultural congregation of justice and mercy.
  • St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Conexion, El Milagro, and the Latino Strategy, together these ministries are at the cutting edge of work among the immigrant, Spanish-speaking community, bringing dignity and hope and justice helping to be a bridge between congregations and their communities.
  • Lao Evangelical/Next Generation, passion for their young people in a changing culture; passion for the elders. They currently meet in a hotel and are searching for a permanent location to expand their important work.
  • All Nations Indian Church, 35% of the 11 Indian Nations live in the urban areas. This community is the sacred center of the Red Lake, Mille Lacs, and Leech Lake people living in the city. It is truly a place on Franklin Avenue for all nations.
  • Bread of Life, this is the only deaf, free-standing congregation in the ELCA which ministers to the deaf community, 90% of whom are un-churched.

We are a community in mission together and are called to practice neighbor-love. We know that a 7% reduction affects the ability of these communities to be about God's mission. Thank you for your leadership and your generosity! We invite you to share this information with others in your congregations and communities and imagine ways to participate in the ongoing and vibrant work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

Please pray for these leaders and their ministries in this time of surprise and disappointment: Prs. Mark Stenberg, Kae Evenson, Steve Bonesho, Greg Meyer, Mawien Ariik, Jeff Bergman, Josh Nelson, Evelyn Dahlke, Craig Pederson, Carol Stumme, Bee Vang, Nengyia Her, Jen Nagel, Mark Schmid, Kevin Bergeson, Kelly Chatman, Alemseged Hagos, Jane Buckley-Farlee, Melkamu Negeri, Challa Barro, Patrick and Luisa Cabello Hansel, Judith Van Osdol, Thiem Baccam, Marlene Whiterabbit Helgemo, and Susan Masters.

In Christ, 

Bishop Craig E. Johnson


333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416